Somewhere in Time

Time Out says

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5 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

Adapting his own novel Bid Time Return, and with characteristic indifference to current film taste, Richard Matheson has here provided one of the most idiosyncratic scripts of 1980, about a writer who wills himself back in time to the early 1900s in order to fall in love with a distinguished actress. In its unashamed romanticism, this is the kind of thing David O Selznick was producing in the 1940s; but scripts cannot make themselves, and Somewhere in Time is cursed with truly atrocious staging, plus Christopher Reeve looking awkwardly man-of-steelish as the hero. A few emotional echoes remain, and one climactic coup in which the hero is dragged forward in time; otherwise this must go down as a missed opportunity.

This film was heavily criticised on its release. And most of this criticism is justified. The film *is* ridiculous, and utterly manipulative - not a moment goes by when we are not told what to think and what to feel by the music and direction. It centres on a relationship between two people that we never get to know, and is, as the Time Out review notes, not very well staged. And yet. This is perhaps the most emotionally wrenching film I have ever seen. It manages, almost in spite of itself, to convey something profoundly intense and intensely profound about what it is to be in love. Every time I watch it I do not merely cry but weep from beginning to end, and often for several hours after. No other film has had this kind of effect on me. And in this I am not alone. The film is both utter rubbish and a transcendental masterpiece - one of the worst films I have seen, and one of the most remarkable films of all time.

This film was heavily criticised on its release. And most of this criticism is justified. The film *is* ridiculous, and utterly manipulative - not a moment goes by when we are not told what to think and what to feel by the music and direction. It centres on a relationship between two people that we never get to know, and is, as the Time Out review notes, not very well staged. And yet. This is perhaps the most emotionally wrenching film I have ever seen. It manages, almost in spite of itself, to convey something profoundly intense and intensely profound about what it is to be in love. Every time I watch it I do not merely cry but weep from beginning to end, and often for several hours after. No other film has had this kind of effect on me. And in this I am not alone. The film is both utter rubbish and a transcendental masterpiece - one of the worst films I have seen, and one of the most remarkable films of all time.

I can see that the science in people may poo poo this film, but it is truly excellent in what it wants to achieve - being a love story. John Barry's soundtrack is magical and performances by all are moving (I think Reeves finest hour). Add to this a beautiful setting, a great sunday afternoon film for all!

I can see that the science in people may poo poo this film, but it is truly excellent in what it wants to achieve - being a love story. John Barry's soundtrack is magical and performances by all are moving (I think Reeves finest hour). Add to this a beautiful setting, a great sunday afternoon film for all!

BEST ROMATIC FILM OF ALL TIME, BAR NONE!! GOES AGAINS'T THE GRAIN AND IS ALL THE BETTER FOR IT. CAN'T HELP FEELING A REAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO LEADING ACTORS. BEST FILM OF THE EIGHTIES AND THAT IS SAYING SOMETHING!!!! JOHN BARRY'S SOUNDTRACK IS ALSO EXCEPTIONAL!

BEST ROMATIC FILM OF ALL TIME, BAR NONE!! GOES AGAINS'T THE GRAIN AND IS ALL THE BETTER FOR IT. CAN'T HELP FEELING A REAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO LEADING ACTORS. BEST FILM OF THE EIGHTIES AND THAT IS SAYING SOMETHING!!!! JOHN BARRY'S SOUNDTRACK IS ALSO EXCEPTIONAL!

Clearly, the reviewer of this movie has no idea!!!
This is one of the best romantic films of all time. The John Barry film score is outstanding. You can tell the film was a labour of love and the chemistry between Seymour and Reeves is believable. As always Christopher Plummer puts in a great performance. My advice is to see it for yourself. Oh and remember a box of hankies!!!

Clearly, the reviewer of this movie has no idea!!!
This is one of the best romantic films of all time. The John Barry film score is outstanding. You can tell the film was a labour of love and the chemistry between Seymour and Reeves is believable. As always Christopher Plummer puts in a great performance. My advice is to see it for yourself. Oh and remember a box of hankies!!!